Electromagnetic pump



April 29 1958 I s. GORSKQ 2,832,291

ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Filed June 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 29, 1958s. GORSKO ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Filed June 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Stanley Gorsko, Chicago, Ill.

Application June 1'7, 1954, Serial No. 437,474

6 Claims. ((11. 103-53) This invention pertains to fluid pumpparticularly useful in connection with transferring of fluids at uniformpressures. Though the pump is of a positive reciprocating type,nevertheless the unique arrangement of the underlying elements providesa substantially steady flow of the fluid without marked pulsation.

It therefore is an object of this invention to provide a novel andunique arrangement of parts in a suitable combination to provide asubstantially pulse free and uniform pressure flow of the fluid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that iscomparatively simple to make at an economical cost of production.

A still further object of this invention is to provide anelectromagnetic pump for moving fluids at preselected pressure.

A still further and additional object of this invention is to provide apumping mechanism that though set for delivery of a fluid at apreselected initial pressure, can be adjusted to deliver fluid atdiflerent pressures while in actual operation and use, particularly inconnection with internal combustion engines so that the engine willreceive the proper amount of fluid fuel to yield the maximum inhorsepower output and efficiency.

A still another object of my invention is to provide a reciprocatingfuel pump that may be used in any position and still provide fluid underpressure.

Another but not final object of my invention is to provide a pumpingdevice capable of delivering a fluid of different pressures dependingupon the position in which the said pump is mounted.

These and other objects, extensions, modifications, variations andadaptations will be obvious to one skilled in this art particularly inview of the lucid and definitive description given hereinbelow in thedisclosure of the fundamental concepts underlying the principles of myinvention in one of its preferred embodiments, and which are furtherillustrated in the annexed drawing forming a part of this disclosure,solely for sake of clarity but Without any direct or implied intentionto be limited solely to such preferred embodiment, for it isunequivocally clear that the principles may be varied widely and stillnot depart from the spirit thereof, except as defined in the hereuntoappended claims.

Therefore, in the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical substantiallymid-sectional view of one of the preferred cmbodiments of my improvedpump.

Figure 2 is a section taken substantially along line 2-2 of Figure 1showing the arrangement of the elements in the electromagnetic drive.

Figure 3 is an elevational view of a partial vertical section of Figure2 showing the electrical contacts and make and break arrangement.

Figure 4 is a section taken a.ong lines 4--d of Figure 1, showing one ofthe check valve arrangements.

Figure 5 is a section taken along lines 5--5 of Figure 1 showing thescreen and entry port.

For sake of clarity the reference characters used to identify each ofthe elements in the drawings forming a part of this disclosure, are alsoused hereinbelow with the same significance.

Essentially my improved pump comprises five sections or chambers, aninlet chamber 63, a suction chamber 74, a pressure chamber 88,storage-outlet chamber 94 and an actuating mechanism containing chamber114. The relation of each chamber and the effect of each on the movementof a fluid through my improved fluid pump will become clear in view ofthe detailed description given hereinbelow.

My improved device comprises an external wall or housing 10 Within whichare contained the following subassemblies: Athe fluid entry chamber;B-the fluid flow control means; C-fluid movement means; D--fiuid exitchamber and E-means for energizing the fluid movement means.

The tubular housing 10 has on the upper and lower ends thereof caps orcovers 12 and M- respectively. Both covers serve for purposes ofreenforcement and also to act as a seat for the sealing gasket 15resting on an annular ring 18 having thereon a horizontal oflset orflange 20. The circumferential perimeters 22 of the covers 12 and 14 arepressed fitted over the housing wall 10 and rolled over and about theflange 2d. The annular ring 13 is preferably brazed or soldered to thehousing tube I10. It, however, is obvious that other well known meanscan very well be employed to accomplish the same result of obtaining afluid tight seal between the end plates 12 and M with the housing 16.

As an additional precautionary measure, particularly since the pumps maybe used for pumping highly inflammable materials such as gasoline, thereis provided in the top cover 12 an axially located aperture throughwhich is inserted the shank 26 of the bolt 24 which traverses thedistance Within the fluid exit chamber formed between the cover 12 andthe horizontal partition 34.. The shank 26 is retained within the saidpartition 34 by means of complementary male and female threads 28 aboutits end and within the said partition. A suitable seal (not shown) isprovided about the head 24 to prevent leakage of the fluid. The tip Stor rather extension of the shank 26 has fastened thereto a helicalspring 32 which acts as a snubber to absorb and cushion the force of thepiston 108 reciprocating within the pump cylinder. The spring 32 ispreferably of a preset compressive force value so that it can convertits dynamic load into a spring back for the piston.

The lower cover or end 14, likewise has an axially threaded machinescrew 34 preferably having a hexagonal head. The shank 36 of the screw34 is threaded 38 substantially through its entire length and a lock nut40 retains the screw 34 in the desired fixed position. The ti of thescrew 34% is in contact with the closed end 42 of inlet thimble which isin slidable juxtaposition within the well 46 of the casting 48a. Thusthe position of the inlet thirnbie 44 can be adjusted within the well asof the casting 48a and consequently the pressure of the helical spring50 resting on the upper part 52 can be varied and set to a preselectedor desired compression by turning the head 34. If desired a suitableextension (not shown) such as a flexible shaft or electrical rotor canhe provided to adjust the pressure of the spring by the operator from adistant point, as the dash of. a car, etc.

A fluid entry port or nipple 54 is provided within an aperture formed ina selected portion of the exterior housing It? to which the fluid sourceline (not shown) may be threadedly connected therewith. An internaltransverse partition 56 is brazed in the selected position within thetubular housing to form between the said partition 56 and the cover 14 afluid entry chamber 63., which is in direct communication with the inletport or nipple 54, Within the inlet chamber 63 is placed the casting 49whose top is fastened fixedly by suitable means 3 such as screws 58 tothe partition 56, while its bottom portion or extension 48a is incontact with the cap 14.

An axial extension 48a of the casting 49, contains therein thepreviously described well or chamber 46. Within this chamber 46 and inslidab le juxtaposition therein, rides the thimble 44. The thimble 44has in the perimeter a number of openings or apertures 60 which are of asmaller area than the apertures or openings 62 within the said extension48a. The apertures 60 and 62 are so constructed as to be in substantialregistry in order to i permit an uninterrupted communicating flow offluid from the chamber 63 irrespective of the pressure exerted on thespring 50 by the screw 34. Circumscribing an area about the exterior ofthe said extension 48a is a bronze or brass screen or sieve 64 of finemesh to remove solids and pre vent flow of immiscible liquid such aswater entrained in a fluid fuel like gasoline.

Within the upper part or ceiling 52 of the thimble 44 is an aperture 66into which projects the inverted hemispherical dome 6d of the checkvalve. A suitable cap 72 having apertures therein for flow of fluidretains the dome 68 in contacting engagement with the opening 66 bymeans of a compressed spring 70. Likewise, one end of the helical spring50 rests on the foot section of the check valve cap 72.

Located within the casting 49in addition to the axially disposed chamber46 which receives the thimble 44 and its check valve assembly 72 is anintercommunicating suction, L-shaped, chamber 74. This chamber is ofisetin relation to the axially disposed chamber 46. In the foot part of thischamber is a partition 76 which likewise supports a check valveassembly, comprising an aperture 78 in the said partition 76, ahemispherical dome valve 80, a restraining spring 82 and the aperturedhousing or cap 84 for the check valve assembly.

interconnecting the chamber 74 and chamber 88 is a tube 86, which issoldered or otherwise secured to the partitions 56 and 90. The partition'90 has its circumferential edges inturned to form a flange-like ortubular projection 92 to provide a bearing surface for solder or othermeans to obtain a liquid tight seal to the inner walls of the housing10. It should be noted that the distance between partition 90 and 34 isrelatively small and of such magnitude as to act as a dash board forliquid splashed against it by the double acting piston 108 on the returnstroke or forced through the tube 86.

vThis type of construction is important. It prevents to a marked degreeturbulent flow in the outlet 104 and provides for smooth, practicallynon surging flow of fluid to the carburator or to the appliance.

Another check valve assembly is also provided within the exit chamber 94comprising the seat aperture 96, the valve hemisphere 98, the spring 100and retaining hood or cap 102 having therein communicating openingsthrough which the fluid may move into chamber 94 and onward through theexit port fitting or nipple 104.

It should be noted that the valve inserts 68, 80 and 98 can be of anymaterial, but I find nylon moulded to the desired shape to be verysatisfactory for it has a very long non-corrodable life.

Between the partitions 90 and 56, and in coaxial alignment with thechamber 46 within the casting extension 48a there is provided acylindrical tube 106 which issuitably fastened to the said partitions toprovide leakproof junctions therebetween. This tube 106 communicatesbetween the chambers 88, the oflfset or L-shaped chamber 74 and theportion of the chamber 46 above the thimble 4-4.

A freely movable reciprocating piston 108 moves in slidablejuxtaposition within the cylinder 106. On one end of the piston 108 isan annular shoulder 110 against which one end of the helical spring 50abuts, while the screw 24 or to the piston 108 in the desired position.It snubs and prevents the piston 108 from hitting the transversepartition 34 or the end 30 of the screw 24.

The piston 108 is made of paramagnetic material, such as iron, suitableand well known alloys such as Alnico, etc. and is therefore affected bymagnetic flux and will also attract magnetized materials.

Bounded between the partitions and 56 and the interior surfaces of thewalls of the tubular housing 10 is a cavity 114 consisting preferablybut not necessarily of two sections 114a and 114k. A gas tight dividingpartition 116 is preferably provided but any suitable support for themotion control means may be used. Before mounting in position thecylinder 106 is inserted through the clectromagnet 116, which is of thetype used in solenoid construction. The lead wire 118 connects one endof the electrical core winding with the binding post 120 mounted on theexterior wall 10 within an insulator washer 122. The other lead wire 124from the other end of the electromagnet winding emerges preferablythrough a tight fitting hole into the upper part 114a of chamber 114.This lead 124 is connected to the arm 126, upon which is an extension123 carrying on its tip the lower of the two make and break contactpoints 130.

About the tube 106 and above the partition 116 is a square piece ofparamagnetic material like iron. This piece 130 has an aperture thereinin axial alignment with the tube 106 and acts as a path for the magneticflux created by the energization of the electromagnet 116. Attached in apivoted relation to the sides of the square pie-cc 130 by means of pins132 is a saddle or U-shaped channel 134 whose flanges 136 and 13Sstraddle or embrace the sides of the paramagnetic square 130. The web140 of this channel 134 is formed into a U-shaped section. Within thissection 140 is embraced a small permanent magnet 146 preferably formedfrom Alnico alloy. One end of the magnet 146 is curvilinearly shaped tofit the perimeter of the tube 106. Since the weight of the magnet 146 isdesigned to be relatively heavier than the weight of that portion of thesaddle beyond the pivot pins 132, then the entire arm or flanges willmove upwardly. A pair of make and break contacts 130 are attached to thepivoted arm or side 138 and to extension 128. When the weight of themagnet 146 trim the arms 136 and 138 upward the contact points 130 arespread apart and interrupt the flow of electricity coming from theterminal 120 through the coil of the electromagnet 116, the arm 126,extension 128 contact points 130, lead wire 142 and to the ground 144 toreturn to the battery or generator (not shown). In order to provide theminimum of effort to close the contact points 130, the weight of themagnet 146 may be counter balanced by additional mass of material suchas the circular extension on the arm 136 or any other well known meansfor accomplishing the same result.

in actual operation, the weight of the magnet 146 al ways trips open andbreaks apart the contact points 130. However the piston 1055 being ofiron will attract the magnet 146 particularly when it is in the positionnear the portion of the tube 106 adjacent the magnet. This occurs sincethe piston 108 under the urging of the helical spring 50 is alwaysnormally adjacent to and in position to attract the magnet 146. Themagnet 1&6 when attracted by the iron piston 108 swings upward and thusthe arm 138 pivots about the pins 132 to close the con tacts 130 andpermit the current to flow through the electromagnetic'coil 116. Thecoil 116 on energization creates a magnetic flux which attracts thepiston or solenoid core 108 within its ilux area, and thus relieving themagnet 146 of its source of attraction. When this occurs the circuit isbroken, the magnetic flux in the coil 116 is ended and the now free ofmagnetic flux attraction piston 108 is moved upward into juxtapositionof the magnet 146 by means of the spring 50 and thus againreestablishing the electromagnetic circuit to attract the piston 10S.Thus every time the piston 108 is moved a certain volume is displaced inthe pressure chamber 88 while an equal volume is sucked into the suctionchamber 74.

The check valves 68, 8t? and 98 thus control the flow of fluid wheneverthere is a forward and positive displacement. When the piston movesdownwardly, thus closing check valve 68, opening check valve 80 whilecheck valve 98 is just fluttering since there is a positive pressurewithin the chamber When the circuit is broken, the piston 188 under theurging of the spring 50 is returned to the position near the magnet andthus forcing any fluid in that portion of the tube 106 into the chamber88 and through check valve 98 since check valve 80 is closed. The fluidpassing valve 98 enters chamber 94 which under normal conditions ofoperation is normally full of fluid though it may at times and undersome conditions particularly where installed in the vertical position asillustrated, contain some air which will function like a hydraulic ramand force the fluid through the outlet 104.

However, it is evident that this type of pump will function regardlessof its position. In its normal position, as illustrated, the pressureexerted on the fluid is the pressure of the spring returning the pistonless the weight of the piston which is moving against the effect ofgravity. If mounted in an horizontal position the effect of gravity isminimized and thus the pressure behind the fluid is somewhat greater,and it is the greatest when the pump is mounted in an upside downposition, for in this position the gravitational pull on the mass of theplunger 108 is added to the urging of the spring 50. Thus threepressures can be obtained with the same setting depending on theposition in which the pump is mounted.

However, once the pump is mounted and should the pressure of the fluidfed into the system be unsuitable for eflicient operation, then the locknut 40 may be released, the proper adjustment made on the screw 36through the head 34 so that the pressure of spring 50 may be changed tothe desired level and then locked into that level by means of the locknut 40. Such adjustments are particularly desirable when the engine ordevice is op erating under unusually light or unusually heavyconditions.

Though this invention in its preferred embodiment has been adapted tofor use with liquid fuels, it can nevertheless be employed for pumpinggaseous fluids equally as well. In order to provide a more efficientmode for transferring gaseous fluids, I have provided around theperimeter of the piston 108 at preselected positions a series ofcircular recesses 109 into which rings 111 are inserted to provide atighter fit between the piston and the walls of the tube 106. Clearly itis obvious that as many as desired of such rings may be provided toobtain the utmost in efliciency when pumping either gaseous or evenliquid fluids.

It is evident that one skilled in this art may make a number of changeswhich nevertheless will be included within the fundamental concepts ofmy invention and within the spirit of the hereunto appended claimsdefining my invention.

I claim:

1. An electromagnetic fluid pump comprising a container, an inlet portand an outlet port in said container, a transverse partition locatedwithin said container about one end thereof to form an inlet chamber,therein in communication with said inlet port, another transversepartition located within said container about the other end thereof toform therein an outlet chamber in communication with said outlet port, amechanism containing chamber within that portion of said containerbetween the said transverse partitions, a drive mechanism means mountedwithin said mechanism containing chamber, tubular passageways for fluidwithin said mechanism containing chamber in communication through saidpartitions with said inlet and said outlet chambers, a fluid motivatingchamber in said tubular passageways, a communicating channel betweensaid inlet chamber and said fluid motivating chamber and anothercommunicating channel between said motivating chamber and said outletchamber respectively; check valve means mounted respectively in saidcommunicating channels between said inlet and outlet chambers; the saidfluid motivating chamber comprising an intake section and an outflowsection, a reciprocating plunger mounted coaxially in one of saidpassageways to permit unidirectional flow of fluid under pressure ofsaid plunger from the said intake section to the outflow section withinsaid fluid motivating chamber; and an electromagnet within saidmechanism containing chamber mounted in juxtaposition and operatable onsaid reciprocating plunger.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the said inlet chamber comprises anannular partition extending coaxially to the floor of said inletchamber, a cylinder adjustably slidable within said partition, a meansto adjust the level of said cylinder, a coil spring seated on saidcylinder which can be adjustably tensioned, apertures in registry in thewalls of said hollow cylinder and said partition whereby liquid in theinlet chamber flows freely therethrough irrespective of the level ofsaid cylinder, and a check valve in one end of said cylinder to permittherethrough flow of fluid under suction within the adjacent portion inthe said fluid motivating chamber.

3. In the device of claim 2 wherein the said means to adjust the levelof said cylinder is a thumb screw protruding through the base of saidchamber.

4. In the device of claim 1, a detent within one of said passagewayscoaxially aligned to limit forward movement of said plunger, a helicalspring operating on said plunger in one of said passageways to applypressure on said plunger, the said pressure adjustably controllable bymeans protruding through the end of the pump, a check valve means inevery additional channel of communication at the inlet thereof, and acheck valve means permitting therethrough flow of fluid to the outletchamber under pressure.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the said detent is a spring whereby theplunger can abut against.

6. In the device of claim 1 wherein the said drive mechanism containedin said chamber whereby said an electromagnet is mounted coaxially aboutthe said communication channel containing the plunger, a break-and-makecircuit means mounted about same said channel, the said break-and-makecircuit means comprising a U-shaped saddle, a pivot means to permitup-and-down movement of said U-shaped saddle about said same channel, apermanent magnet mounted about the web of said saddle in juxtapositionwith the coaxially aligned communication channel, whereby when theplunger is in the vicinity of said magnet, the said magnet is attractedthereby and thus closing the contact.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS496,331 Van Depoele Apr. 25, 1893 2,473,726 Payne June 21, 19492,533,164 Dickey et al. Dec. 5, 1950 2,578,902 Smith Dec. 18, 1951

